BB Seaton, the renowned ska and rocksteady vocalist and composer, passed away in London, England, at the age of 79 on Monday.
Seaton’s musical journey spanned various bands, including The Gaylads, The Astronauts, Conscious Minds, and The Messengers, where he collaborated with prominent artists like Ken Boothe, Lloyd Charmers, and Busty Brown.
In 1960, Seaton embarked on his solo career, later forming the duo Winston & Bibby with Winston Delano Stewart. The pair evolved into The Gaylads with the addition of Maurice Roberts. Although Seaton briefly departed to join The Astronauts, he rejoined The Gaylads during the ska era, achieving significant success both in Jamaica and as a duo after Stewart’s departure in 1972.
Seaton’s solo career flourished with hits like “Accept My Apology,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Lean on Me,” and “Thin Line Between Love and Hate,” marking him as a pioneer in the reggae scene. He also made history by becoming the first reggae artist signed by Virgin Records in the UK.
Minister of Entertainment pays tribute
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, paid tribute to Seaton’s immense musical legacy, describing him as a multifaceted talent with exceptional vocal prowess and songwriting skills.
“If ever a variety of musical talent resided in one man, it was in BB Seaton. He was a qualified musician and a singer of exceptional quality who led one of Jamaica’s outstanding musical groups, The Gaylads. He was one of the most prolific songwriters to hit the local scene and a record producer of note,” said Grange.
She added that his singing and songwriting careers started in high school at Cornwall College.
He wrote songs for others such as Marcia Griffiths, Dennis Brown, Delroy Wilson, The Chosen Few, Home T 4, Freddie Mc Gregor, Aswad, UB40, The Uniques, Jimmy London, Maxi Priest, The Inner Circle, Ruddy Thomas, AJ Franklyn, Joy White, Merlyn Brooks, Jennifer Laura, and Mike Brooks.
“He made 15 albums,” Grange added. “BB Seaton also served as executive member and vice president for the Jamaica Federation of Musicians and received the El Suzie Award as best songwriter. He received the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Award in 1981-1982 for pioneering Jamaican music as a singer and songwriter.
“Up to the time of his passing, BB was releasing some of his vintage productions on his Soul Beat Record label in London,” said Grange.
“For all of us. Harris Lloyd Seaton … BB, as we will always remember him, had a tremendous influence, especially on the Jamaican music genres ska and rocksteady.
“My sincerest sympathy to his wife, Sue, the rest of his family, relatives, friends, associates, and to the music fraternity,” said Grange, adding, “Rest in Peace, BB Seaton.”
